Grieving families express profound heartbreak after vandals destroyed young Dogwood trees at Kelowna’s RISE Memorial garden in Knowles Heritage Park. Danielle Pritchett, mother of victim Cailen Vilness, discovered the damage last week while visiting with her daughter.
The Shocking Discovery
Pritchett sought comfort at the site when her daughter pointed out the absence of Cailen’s tree. “Mom, Cailen’s tree is gone,” the daughter said. Between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, someone snapped off three of the five trees, leaving only small stumps behind.
“It’s like a stab in the heart,” Pritchett said, wiping away tears. “Like he’s been lost all over again.” She noted the site’s sacred nature, as some of her son’s ashes were spread under a nearby big tree.
Honoring the Crane Collapse Victims
The trees commemorate five men killed in a July 2021 crane collapse at a downtown high-rise construction site: 23-year-old Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, brothers Eric and Patrick Stemmer, and Brad Zawislak, who was in an adjacent office.
The memorial, built with donated funds and volunteer efforts, serves as a community space for reflection. Steven Zook, father of Jared Zook, highlighted the investment: “A lot of time, effort, sweat and tears were put into the park.” He described the vandalism as hurtful to the entire community, especially those grieving.
“This is meant to be a community park, particularly one where people who are struggling with grief are welcome to come and reflect,” Zook said. “To see people not respecting that space, it’s very frustrating and very hurtful.”
Community Leaders Respond
Louise Gibson, secretary treasurer of the North Okanagan Labour Council, which helped develop the site, expressed shock. “I couldn’t believe it, that someone would desecrate this place, which means so much,” she said.
With the National Day of Mourning for workplace accident victims approaching next week at the park, local nurseries may donate replacement trees for timely replanting.
Investigation and Security Measures
Police appeal for public tips to aid the investigation. The City of Kelowna voices deep concern and considers enhanced security patrols and a camera installation at the site.
Prior incidents include damage to a plaque in March and graffiti on benches over recent months. Pritchett urges vigilance: “If you notice anything, please just call it in right away or take a video.”
“It’s not just for the five families. It’s for the whole community,” she added. Visit the RISE Memorial website for more details or to contact the RISE Memorial Foundation.
